Adult Nursing (Adult Nurse)

Member Name: ickleannie

Product:	Adult Nurse
Date:	21/01/09 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Rewarding

Disadvantages: Hard-Work, Emotinal

Nursing a vocation not a career!!!!

How to Get involved
---------------------------------
I undertook my nurse training after many years of soul searching and wondering what my actual purpose for being on this earth actually was. A bit of a wild one in my younger days i actually went into this profession as a mature student. By then i felt that i actually had a bit of life experience to take with me and i am glad that i had. Living in Scotland i had to apply via the scottish system of undergraduate nurses. I believe that the english system is slightly different although as i am unsure of what that is i am unable to comment. Hence i filled out my application via a government website called CATCH which was relatively straight forward. You are given information on all the institutions in Scotland that offer nursing either in the field of adult, mental health, special needs or childrens nursing. This was the most difficult part choosing the speciality that i would want to do. In the end i chose adult nursing as i felt that i could relate better and quite frankly the thought of some of the other categories scared me to death. I applied to an institution in Glasgow and much to my amazement recieved confirmation of an initial interview only four weeks after the application had been sent in. This is quite unusual as you normally have to apply the year before you wish to start your training. The reason for this was that the university for which i applied operated a clearing system and through people dropping out or not meeting the required qualifications opened up a few places.

Qualifications
---------------------

The qualification criteria for undergraduate nurses wishing to undertake a diploma/ degree in nursing. Applicants must be able to prove that they are numerate and literate. Each institution lays down its own criteria for admission however as a minimum standard grades and highers are required, or an access to nursing course qualification which are run by several establishments. ( you would need to check in your specific area were these are run).The criteria has changed since i completed my training so it is probably worth looking at the Catch website for up-to-date qualification criteria. The access courses can be carried out on a full or part-time basis often at the establishment that you would wish to complete your formal nurse training.
It is also important to note that a Disclosure Scotland must be gained to ensure that you are a suitable candidate to deal with vulnerable members of society. This can take anything up to 8 weeks to arrive however the institution for which you are applying pays for this to be done.

Interview
-------------------

I got myself all worked up over this and to be perfectly honest needlessly. I was interviewed by three members of the faculty and i must stress that i was not grilled. They just wanted to know why i had chosen this career path and asked me what my thoughts were on a number of current issues of the day. I was very soon relaxed and actually quite enjoyed it. You also get a guided tour of the facilities on offer. After interview you are told that they will be in touch to offer you or decline a place, and on a satisfactory clearance of a disclosure scotland check.

The Training
-------------------

This is were the im glad to be a mature student comes in to play. The course itself was very rewarding. You spend half of your time in university doing theory and half the time on practice placement. The university side of things was quite hard work psychology, sociology, anatomy and physiology, social sciences. It was all interesting and there was a fair bit of essay writing and examination. This is manageable if you plan your time well and discipline yourself. A few did drop out of the course for being unable to do this. As a mum i got very good at juggling everything and ran my household like a military operation some days. From this perspective i think it would be beneficial to go into this before you have a family, although with hard work and determination those with families can do this too. I am living proof of that. Practice placement was the best bit. From personal experience i managed to get placement in day surgery, a general medical ward, home for the elderly, infectious diseases unit, intensive care unit, community with both district nurse and health visitors and the acute coronary care unit to name but a few. Lucky to have a very varied knowledge base which has stood me in good stead as a staff nurse. Being older i found it much easier to relate with the people in my care and also other members of medical staff and the wider multi-disciplinary team. Initially i was pretty scared some of the clinical areas (wards) as they are are quite hi-tec and i was petrified to touch anything. (believe me this eases with time and confidence). You are given a mentor on each placement a qualified staff nurse who teaches you and shows you how to perform practical and nursing related skills. I was fortunate that all my mentors were extremely helpful and very supportive. Others were not so lucky on my course. But hey my philosophy is you get out of something what you put in and treat others how you want to be treated yourself and you cant go wrong!!!!All placements are assessed and you have to pass these as well as your uni course work to be able to proceed to the next modules. Once you get to your final year you do a management placement and a 14 week rostered service placement. On completion of these you get your diploma or degree whichever you have signed up to do and hey presto thats you a qualified RGN.

Advantages
-----------------

You get out what you put in. This is so rewarding. Contrary to popular belief, nurses dont just clean up vomit and wipe bottoms for a living. They are advocates for the patients in their care and as such enjoy a very privileged role. Remember that sick and vulnerable people need a high standard of care and if you are the right type of person can be empathetic and caring and be able to respond to the needs of others you will do well. Good communication skills are vital as sometimes you have to turn into a bit of a detective. The rewards are amazing and you really do feel like you are making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. You will never walk away from your job daily feeling you havent achieved something. You meet wonderful people who will have a positive influence on your life.

Disadvantages
-----------------------

The course is not for the faint-hearted. You will have to be prepared to work hard to achieve your goal of becoming a staff nurse. The workload can get on top of you if you dont plan and organise effectively. Placements are hard-work especially when you are learning. Trust me you will be tired!!!especially if you have essays and or exams to prepare for as well.
Dont expect to become a millionaire as a result of completing this course. First level nurses get around £20000 per year. I have lost count of the number of times i have laughed and cried you see distressing things however it is all part of the circle of life and you have to be able to take the good experiences with the bad. It makes you a stronger person.

This career choice has made me a better person and i am proud to be a nurse.

Summary: Adult Nursing